Looking your best always feels amazing and empowering. However, it is exponentially rewarding when you are also doing your best. This is the goal of LuisaViaRoma X Unicef for their annual Summer Ball. The luxury fashion retailer has teamed up with the humanitarian aid organisation for the last four years. Together, they coordinate fundraising dinner balls in magical locations like Capri and St Barth’s.

The glittering fashion gala exudes elegance while inspiring a charitable and bighearted atmosphere. The A-list guest list includes celebrities, philanthropists and notable guests. This event guarantees a magical evening under the stars of Capri. Most importantly, the results of this charitable affair endure much longer than just one night.

Fashion & Charity Ball

The fashion industry is one of the wealthiest in today’s world. It has also become one of the most controversial. For instance, environmental concerns and wasteful practices have dominated production and commerce. The ostentation of high-fashion houses becomes increasingly criticised with each passing year.

To indulge in fine textiles, precious materials, jewels and anything designer, one must have pockets deep enough to do so. However, it is impossible to ignore the hardships permeating humanity and its children each and every day. This was what Andrea Panconesi, the President of LuisaViaRoma, had in mind when forging the alliance with Unicef Italy. Renowned celebrities host he lively LuisaViaRoma X Unicef Ball. Furthermore, it includes a moonlit gourmet dinner, live auction of special items, and musical performances by highly acclaimed stars in the music industry.

There’s nothing quite as heartfelt as acting in good conscience while donning your best outfits. To date, the event has raised figures in the millions, 100% of which have been dedicated to Unicef’s mission in protecting, supporting, and providing clean water to vulnerable children across the globe.

The History

Unicef is the foremost UN agency in providing clean water and protecting children in danger due to natural disasters, famine, war and other humanitarian crises. Notably after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, they have stopped at nothing to provide vaccines and train healthcare professionals in administering them to children. Moreover, voluntary donations and contributions from individuals, governments, foundations and businesses fund the organisation. The partnership with LuisaViaRoma and the enchanting events they produce together incentivises the world’s most affluent fashion lovers and philanthropic public alike to contribute in aiding those who are most exposed to calamity and suffering.

Meanwhile, LuisaViaRoma is a retail brand, founded in 1930 in Florence. Since then it has become a leader in luxury retail, as well as a successful online marketplace with luisaviaroma.com. Focused on sustainability and the intersection of luxury fashion with conscientious and sustainable practices, they support independent designers and promoting social awareness and responsibility.

The LuisaViaRoma x Unicef Ball has become a tradition in the last four years. Last year’s headliners and presenters included Katy Perry, John Legend, Vanessa Hudgens. Additionally, the charming likes of Emily Ratajkowski, Orlando Bloom, Heidi Klum and more graced the guestlist. Recently, a sister event, the Winter Gala in St Barth’s, has contributed in annually raising funds. Last year’s event exceeded expectations, with an all-star performance by Grammy-winner Dua Lipa, and an exclusive live auction conducted by Sobethy’s Michael Macaulay.

Certosa San Giacomo

On the afternoon of the event in Capri last year, LuisaViaRoma hosted a fashion makeover for the gala’s guests in the theatre of the Grand Hotel Quisisana. As celebrities and A-listers prepared themselves for the fascinating evening ahead, LVR provided racks of ballgowns and ensembles to be bestowed for the night. Likewise, an expert team of hair and makeup artists awaited to transform the guests into their most elegant and chic renditions.

In the evening, around 600 guests descended upon the paradisiac island. Making their way through the venerable buildings and narrow cobbled streets, they approached Certosa San Giacomo, Capri’s monastery from the 14th century. In fact, this is one of the island’s oldest buildings, and annually acts as the exquisite venue for the LuisaViaRoma X Unicef Summer Ball. The mediaeval monastery is now a museum. It further comprises a high-school in one of the buildings, and often hosts concerts, and cultural events. Guests made their way past the fortified tower and through the entrance. They found themselves facing the age-old, respectable establishment with candlelit pathways. Surrounded by Roman marble colonnades, the Late Renaissance-style courtyard served as the stage for the gala dinner and performances. A stunning setup of round tables adorned with white tablecloths and towering arrangements of cool-coloured hydrangeas suffused the open-sky space.

The Programme

The evening’s programme started with photo calls of the distinguished guests. After which, they relished a leisurely cocktail hour under the stars. Shades of lavender, sapphire and cerulean blue were the colours of the night’s decor. After mingling and relaxing with a few flutes of bubbly, guests made their way to the dinner tables. A moon-bathed gourmet supper was served in courses.

The night was only getting started. The next activity on the agenda was a live auction of exclusive items, conducted by Sotheby’s very own, Harry Dalmeny. Among the items to be auctioned were a series of images of Capri in 1958 by photographer Slim Arons. In addition, a sketchbook of Picasso’s, art by Andy Warhol, and a Steve McQueen race car were also donated to the auction sale. Moreover, a piano donated by John Legend, who would later give a goosebump-provoking performance of his best hits, was up for auction.

Musical Performances

Soon, the dinner tables gave way to a long evening of dancing and enjoyment. Before then, Katy Perry enriched the evening with a beautiful performance. Certainly it was a highlight of the evening. The crowd watched on, enchanted, as she called John Legend back on stage for a duet of “Moonriver”. The performance honoured Audrey Hepburn’s inspiring work as a Goodwill Ambassador for Unicef.

With a reputable history in recent years, this event pairs glamour with generosity and unconstrained almsgiving. What a spectacular summer evening under the shining stars of Capri. LuisaViaRoma X Unicef Ball have inspired a truly heartwarming event. Celebrities, A-listers and the world’s most affluent bring the most large-hearted versions of themselves forth. As an agency responsible for caring for children in over 190 countries, Unicef is always looking for ways to develop philanthropy of private wealth individuals and organisations. The alliance with LuisaViaRoma has become incredibly successful. After all, the glitter sparkles for a night, but the benefits live long.